Attorney #ESF

Job Description

Summary:

The Employee Benefits Attorney will advise employers on the design, implementation, administration, and compliance of employee benefit and executive compensation programs. This role focuses on ERISA compliance, qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and complex compensation arrangements. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge, practical business judgment, and the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable guidance for clients.

• Design and implement employee benefit plans in compliance with ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.
• Advise clients on qualified retirement plan structures, including 401(k), defined benefit, and cash balance plans.
• Counsel employers on executive compensation and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements (Section 409A, rabbi trusts, incentive plans).
• Provide guidance on equity-based and alternative compensation programs (ESOPs, phantom stock, stock options, profit‑sharing, 457/403(b) plans).
• Advise on fiduciary duties, governance structures, and risk management strategies.
• Counsel employers on health and welfare plan compliance (ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, MHPAEA, ERISA).
• Draft and review SPDs, wrap documents, employee communications, and plan policies.
• Support M&A transactions through benefits due diligence and integration planning.
• Assist clients with compliance audits, investigations, and self‑correction programs (IRS, DOL).
• Provide practical, business‑focused advice to HR leaders, executives, and in‑house counsel.

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Michigan Bar (or eligibility).
• Minimum 5+ years of employee benefits law experience.
• Strong expertise in ERISA, qualified retirement plans, and executive compensation.
• Experience advising on fiduciary compliance and governance.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client matters independently.

• Experience advising on health and welfare plan compliance.
• Familiarity with DOL/IRS audit processes and correction programs.